The United States men’s national soccer team (USMNT) prepares to open the 2026 FIFA World Cup this Friday against Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California. The team, currently ranked No. 16 in FIFA’s global standings, is led by head coach Mauricio Pochettino. Pochettino, who took over the role in 2024 following the firing of Gregg Berhalter, has a record of 15-10-1 with the squad. While some players noted a lack of clarity regarding the starting lineup, others described the current team atmosphere as having a strong mentality and high intensity. The roster features several established stars, including Christian Pulisic, who recently scored his first goal in five months during a May 31 friendly against Senegal. Other key figures include Folarin Balogun, who scored 13 goals for AS Monaco last season, and midfielder Weston McKennie, who recorded five goals and five assists for Juventus. The squad also includes captain Tim Ream, the 38-year-old veteran, and Tyler Adams, who is noted for his ability to anchor the midfield. Injury concerns remain a significant factor for the tournament. Key defender Chris Richards is a work in progress after tearing two ligaments in his left ankle in May; while he has begun training, his availability and effectiveness are uncertain. Also, players like Dest and Adams have dealt with recent injuries. In contrast, some players are looking forward to the home-soil advantage, with midfielder Cristian Roldan noting the “beautiful story” of playing in cities where he spent his life. Former U.S. Player John Harkes told the BBC that the team has “better resources” and more experience than previous squads. He highlighted the importance of resilience and fitness, noting that while the U.S. Is not historically a football nation, the momentum could build quickly if the team performs well on the biggest stage in the sport.